Star Trek Marks 59 Years and Gears Up for 60th Anniversary With Epic Plans

Star Trek is celebrating 59 years since it first appeared on TV, and fans are already looking ahead to its big 60th anniversary in 2026.

The original episode, “The Man Trap,” aired on NBC on September 8, 1966, marking the start of a franchise that has become a major part of pop culture. Today, Star Trek Day is celebrated annually, and plans for the 60th anniversary promise to be bigger than ever.

The year-long celebration kicks off on January 1 with a Star Trek float in the famous Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. The float will celebrate both the history and future of the series.

For fans who prefer adventures on the water, the Star Trek Cruise will return in 2026 with more than 20 cast members joining, including William Shatner and Walter Koenig. Comics will also make their way online, coming to the Webtoon platform, and the franchise is teaming up with DoSomething for the “Boldly Go Green” initiative to promote environmental responsibility.

Paramount+ will debut a new live-action series, Starfleet Academy, in 2026. The show, set at the famous Starfleet school, will star Holly Hunter as Chancellor Nahla Ake, with Paul Giamatti playing a recurring villain named Nus Braka. Meanwhile, Strange New Worlds is expected to return for its fourth season next year, which will be followed by a fifth and final season.

Star Trek is also releasing new content for younger audiences. The animated preschool series Star Trek: Scouts launches today on YouTube, and the Star Trek: Khan podcast explores the secret history of one of the franchise’s most infamous villains.

All of the 60th-anniversary activities will be coordinated through StarTrek60.com, where fans can find a full calendar of events. The site is currently offering 25% off merchandise from September 8 to 12 with the code STARTREKDAY25.

The franchise’s 60th anniversary promises to celebrate both its rich history and exciting future. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will premiere next year on Paramount+, and fans can follow updates on upcoming shows and events through official channels.

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